Vol. XIX, No. 17 - April 28 - May 4, 2014

>>Ombudsman clears Dimacuha, et al. on Keilco row > News. ...P/2 Vol. 19, No. 17 | April 28 - May 4, 2014 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com Telephone: (043) 417.1662 Smart/TNT: 0912.902.7373 Globe/TM: 0917.512.9477 Php 12.00/copy

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P12.00 basic wage increase for those receiving minimum wage of less than P267.00/day upon effectivity of WO P4.00/day for Retail/Service Establishment employing not more than 10 workers   P6.00/day for Agriculture (Non-Plantation and Plantation) P6.00/day for Non-Agriculture

PNoy presides over Air Force’s change of command in Lipa City LIPA CITY, Batangas --The Philippine Air Force (PAF) held the change of command and retirement ceremony for the outgoing PAF commanding general (CG), April 25.

Wage Order No. IVA-16 mandates a 12-peso per day basic pay increase for workers receiving less than P267.00 a day and a 13-peso per day socioeconomic allowance (SEA) for workers receiving more than P267.00 up to P349.50 per day.

The present minimum wage in Calabarzon ranges from P267 to P349.50, depending on the industry and the area where the company is situated.

Meanwhile, the 12-peso wage increase will be done in tranches until December 2016 at an increase of P4 to P6 per tranche while the 13-peso SEA will be given as soon as the wage order is implemented on May 1. The increase will mean the highest minimum wage for the region will be at P362.50 a day.

President Benigno S. Aquino III presided the occasion held at the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) grandstand in Fernando Air Base, this city.

The President has appointed MGen Jeffrey F. Delgado AFP as the 33rd commanding general of the Philippine Air Force.

Delgado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Magilas” Class of 1982.

Prior to his appointment as 33rd PAF commanding officer, Delgado was the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s deputy chiefof-staff for plans.

Aside from being a graduate of the PMA, the new PAF commander has a Masters in Development Management in 1999 from the Asian Institute of Management, Masters in Business Administration in 1987 from De La Salle University, Joint War Fighting/ Combined Operations Course, Joint CHANGE OF COMMAND . President Benigno S. Aquino III, hands- Transition Course from Virginia, United over the command symbol (Saber) to the 33rd Philippine Air Force (PAF) States, Command and General Staff Course Commanding General Major Gen. Jeffrey Delgado during the PAF Change and other significant military courses he took of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the Fernando Air Base (FAB) up here and in abroad.

>>>LABOR..turn to P/3

>>>GOVERNMENT SERVICE...turn to P/3

THE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Calabarzon has approved an increase to the basic pay of minimum wage earners in the region.

in Lipa City, April 25. Delgado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Magilas” Class of 1982.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Tricks and Truth Coastal towns, tatanggap ng p. 3 Manyak daw si kuya Tsunami Early Warning Systems .......................................................................................................................

‘Laguna all set for Palarong p. 8 p. 4 Pambansa 2014’, - Gov. Estregan

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NEWS

Balikas

April 28 - May 4, 2014

Ombudsman clears Dimacuha, et al of criminal, admin complaints on KEILCO BATANGAS CITY—The Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon has dismissed for “lack of probable cause” and “lack of substantial evidence” the criminal and administrative complaints filed against former mayor Vilma Dimacuha and 10 other respondents when they reduced the real property taxes to be paid by an independent power producer (IPP).

“Wherefore, premises considered, the instant criminal complaint for violation of … against respondents … is hereby dismissed for lack of probable cause,” Ryan Hartzell Balisacan, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer (GIPO) I, said in a Jan. 7 joint resolution reviewed by GIPO III Bayani Jacinto.

The 25-page decision also dismissed the administrative complaint filed by a certain Rodan H. Spiritu against Ma. Claudette Ambida, Armando Lazarte, Sergie Rex Atienza, Prudencio Cepillo, and Richard Cabatay, in accordance with the “doctrine of condonation of administrative liability” following their reelection as councilors.

Mr. Spiritu had accused Mrs. Dimacuha and her executive secretary, Victor Reginald

Dimacuha, the abovementioned councilors, and four ex-councilors of forging a bad deal with the Kepco Ilijan Power Corp. (KEILCO) by reducing its real property tax liabilities to P925.15 million from P9.9 billion over an 11year period.

In his Dec. 6, 2012 complaint-affidavit, Mr. Spiritu, who the respondents said does not appear in the Commission on Elections’ list of registered voters in Batangas City despite his claim of being a “taxpayer and resident” of the city, described as “unconscionable” and “shocking” the compromise agreement entered into by the city with KEILCO. He lamented over the city’s lost revenues that would have otherwise benefited the constituents had the respondents not put the city government at a grossly disadvantageous transaction with KEILCO, which was built in Barangay Ilijan in 1997 by the Korean Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), following a massive energy crisis that hit the country.

But the GIPO I said the complainant cannot assess the respondents’ policy decision on the full assessed amount of P9.9 billion in real property taxes between 2002 and 2012

Beat the summer heat with watermelons

and the settlement amount of P925,145,863.27, stressing the increasing risks of non-collection of the full amount if the parties had continued their appeals in courts.

“Therefore, in choosing to settle instead of pursuing the appeal, respondents may have weighed the projected costs and benefits of either option and decided that, based on the Mirant/Pagbilao experience, the best course of action is to enter into the Compromise Agreement,” said the decision approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Feb. 12.

In the Pagbilao (in Quezon province) case, the Supreme Court had upheld the local government’s right to collect real property taxes from the Mirant Power Corp., despite its own ECA, or Energy Conversion Agreement, with the National Power Corp. (NPC), which renders the latter to pay for the former’s accrued real property taxes.

Mirant was given a breather, however, when President Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 27, directing the reduction of the assessed real property tax against the power producer to 15 percent, with a 2 percent depreciation rate per annum.

“The Ombudsman’s joint resolution affirms that Mayor Vilma Dimacuha served the best interests of her people and acted in accordance with EO 27,” Mr. Dimacuha, a lawyer, said. “This will put an end to all doubts on the legitimacy of the city government’s tax settlement with KEILCO and NPC. The complainant and his camp may have thrown

a kitchen sink at her. Nonetheless, they can’t put a good woman down.”

Teodulfo Deguito, legal officer of Batangas City, said EO 27 is aligned with the government’s policy to stabilize the country’s energy supply and lighten the financial burdens that would otherwise be assumed by the state-owned NPC. He had cited the Pagbilao case when he told Mr. Dimacuha in a June 4, 2012 letter that there was no legal impediment to entering into a compromise agreement with KEILCO. Settling for the reduced amount, he stressed, was more beneficial than awaiting the resolution of the city’s appeal in the CTA, or Court of Tax Appeals, and, perhaps, the Supreme Court.

Based on this opinion, the Sangguniang Panlungsod—which included thencouncilors and respondents Mario Vittorio Marino, Narciso Macarandang, Elizalde Ferriols, and Eloisa Angela Portugal—had given the mayor permission to enter into a compromise agreement, in connection with KEILCO’s outstanding tax liabilities.

“Therefore, it is not sufficient that the Compromise Agreement and its terms be appraised divorced from their factual backdrop. …” the GIPO I said.

“Viewed from this perspective, the Compromise Agreement cannot be considered disadvantageous, let alone grossly and manifestly disadvantageous to the government …”, it concluded.| CITY PIO STAFF

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Batangas’ coastal municipalities, tatanggap ng Tsunami Early Warning Systems

WATERMELONS, in season during this summer, are being sold in every corner.

Mostly made up of water, watermelon helps you hydrate and cool down in the summer heat and is a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and lycopene, a nutrient with proven cancer-protection qualities.|A.C.DALAN

NAKATAKDANG tumanggap ng 17 Tsunami Early Warning Device ang lalawigan ng Batangas para sa 13 bayan na nasa paligid ng baybayin nito sa ilalim ng programang inisyatibo ng World Food Program ng United Nations para sa Disaster mitigation and prevention initiative na laan sa mga Local Government Units at Disaster Risk Reduction Management councils.

Ilan sa mga bayan na nakatakdang tumanggap ay ang bayan ng Nasugbu, Lian,

Calatagan at Tingloy na magkakaroon ng tig-dadalawang unit habang pinagkalooban ng tig-isang unit ang mga bayan ng Balayan, Lemery,Taal, San Luis, Mabini, Bauan, Lobo, San Juan at Calaca.

Katuwang sa pagpapatupad ng programang ito ang Academe sector na kinakatawan ng Batangas State University, nongovernment organization na kinakatawan ng Good Neighbors Inc., Lunsod Batangas at Tingloy.

Ang mga tsunami early warning device ay inaasahang makakapagpabilis ng aksyon sa paglikas ng mga pamayanan sa oras na gumalaw ang mga major fault line na malapit sa lalawigan ng Batangas sa oras na maganap ang paggalaw ng mga ito at magdulot ng malakas na paglindol.

Kabilang dito ang Lubang Fault, Aglubang Fault sa lalawigan ng Mindoro, Manila Trench at West Valley Fault.| EDWIN V. ZABARTE

Kabataang Batangueño, sinanay ............................................................................................................................. bilang mga community leaders Lucena City’s senior citizens

SUMAILALIM sa dalawang araw na community leadership workshop ang mga piling kabataan mula sa 105 na barangay ng lunsod kung saan sila ay tinuruang gumawa ng mga angkop na proyekto bilang solusyon sa problema ng kanilang barangay.

Ang nasabing workshop na may tagline na “Forming Leaders, Transforming Communities”, ay proyekto ng Leadership Communities (LeadCom), isang nongovernment organization, sa pakikipagtulungan ng Ayala Foundation, Batangas City Government at City Council for Youth Affairs. Kalahok dito ang apat ng kinatawan ng mga youth organizations sa bawat barangay.

Ayon kay Councilor Aileen Arriola, isa sa apat na Ayala Leaders alumni ng Batangas City, layunin ng gawaing ito na sanayin ang

sampung youth groups upang makabuo ng nauukol na proyekto para sa kanilang barangay. Aniya, mahalaga ang workshop na ito para sa mga kabataan upang magkaroon sila ng kamalayan sa paglutas ng mga suliranin sa kanilang komunidad.

Sinimulan ito ng isang community scanning na mismong mga kabataan ang nagtalakay ng mga suliranin na hinaharap ng kanikanilang mga barangay. Ito ay upang makabuo sila ng mga angkop na proyekto para sa kanilang komunidad.

Ayon sa lecturer ng LeadCom, ang paggawa na isang angkop na proyekto naniniwala sila na ang mga kabataan ay kayang baguhin ang mundo. Ani nila, nagsisimula ito sa isang kamalayan ng sa isang kabataan na humahantong para isang pagkilos. Naniniwala sila sa

mga simpleng paraan pwedeng mauwi sa isang malaking pagbabago.

Bukod dito magkakaroon din ng project management workshops ang mga kabataan kung saan dito sila magbebrainstorming o kung saan sila magbibigayan ng kanilang mga ideya at ito ay magiging bukas sa mga suhestiyon para sa ikagaganda ng kanilang mga proyekto na nais ipatupad para sa kanilang komunidad. Magkakaroon din sila ng mga leadership camps na gaganapin sa Mayo 6 at 7 ng kasalakuyang taon.

Sa mga activities ng LeadCom, ipinamalas ng mga kabataan ng ating lungsod na sa mga simpleng situational analysis na kaya nilang bumuo ng mga konsepto na pwede nilang gamitin para sa kanilang project management para sa kanilang lugar.| BOUNVURT MACARAIG

go in style with ATM-like IDs

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Perhaps, the elders and senior citizens in this city have to bid goodbye to “cedulas” (residence certificate) and sometimes a fourth of a torso-sized identification card hanging in their neck when doing official business transactions with city hall.

On Monday, old Lucena City folks transacted their business at city hall flashing their new, modern, ATM-style electronic poly-vinyl chloride cards (PVC).

The city government’s Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) introduced the new identification (ID) card among senior citizens here to systematize the transactions and update their roster of elders.

Salome "Omeng" Dato, OSCA head, said they initiated the concept last month and vowed to complete the card distribution as soon as possible to provide convenience to the senior citizens.

The first batch of PVC ID cards were given to the elder folk in Barangays Salinas, Ibaba and Ilayang Talim, Bocohan, Domoit and Isabang.

Dato said the cards would soon be distributed to the elders in Barangays Ibabang Iyam, GulangGulang Cotta, Dalahican, and Ilayang Iyam where the city recorded the most number of senior citizens.

Dato also explained to the senior holders the impor-

tance of the Senior Citizen ID not only for identification purposes but also as key to a host of various benefits and privileges for them under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. “Ate Omeng” said the card holder as senior citizen benefits for discounts on public transport, grocery and medicines.

The card also guarantees the senior citizen entitlement to discounts in a dining place or restaurant and several other establishments in the city.

She said the senior citizen card is just one among many city government programs that provide services and appreciation for Lucena City’s older citizens.| PNA

April 28 - May 4, 2014

NEWS

Balikas

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<<<LABOR...from P/1

Industrial park managers encouraged Wage increases to support DOLE’s Jobstart program effective May 1 TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite --Officers and managers of the three industrial parks in the province were encouraged to support Jobstart Philippines program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

During the recent consultation meeting held at Tagaytay Vista Hotel, General Trias Mayor Antonio Ferrer urged the representative of the manufacturing firms located at Gateway Business Park, First Cavite Industrial Estate and in Cavite Economic Zone to join and be partner employers in hiring and providing trainings to selected youth beneficiaries of the Jobstart Philippines program.

The Jobstart Philippines program is a joint

project of the DOLE, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government of General Trias through Public Employment Services Office (PESO). The program offers mentoring, career guidance and employment coaching, technical training, and on-the-job learning experience in private companies.

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is one of the offices chosen to lead the implementation of such programs in the municipality.

Under the program, DOLE will provide technical support to develop tools for capturing and disseminating Labor Market Information (LMI) about job, skills in demand, and wages and benefits. The DOLE is also tasked to produce three manuals on job readiness assessment; serve as a job coach/ adviser; and conduct job research.

In November last year, a memorandum of understanding on the program was signed between the local government, DOLE Region IV-A, and the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE).| PIA

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OCD-MIMAROPA, nagkaloob ng 6 rain gauge sa Palawan PUERTO PRINCESA City, Palawan -Pinagkalooban ng Office of the Civil DefenseMIMAROPA ang lalawigan ng Palawan ng anim na rain gauge kamakailan.

Ang mga kagamitang ito ay naibigay kaugnay sa isinusulong na malawakang paghahanda ng lalawigan sa ano mang hindi inaasahang sakuna, alinsunod na rin sa Republic Act 10121, ang batas na nagsasaad kung paano pangangasiwaan ang pagbabawas ng panganib at pagtugon sa mga kalamidad.

Ang anim na rain gauge ay para sa mga barangay ng Abongan, Bato, Busy Bees, Pancol at Paglaum ng bayan ng Taytay, Palawan.

Isa ang bayan ng Taytay na natukoy ng OCD sa tulong ng hazard map, na landslide area at flood prone area sa lalawigan.

Tinatayang nagkakahalagang P7,000-P9,000 kada isa ang rain gauge.

Kaugnay nito, nagkaroon ng oryentasyon ang bawat barangay na nababanggit kasama ang mga kinatawan ng Municipal at Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office at ang mga opisyal ng mga barangay.

Ang nasabing oryentasyon na

pinangunahan ng mga kinatawan ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) ay isinagawa upang ipaliwanag ang wastong paggamit ng mga rain gauge.

Ibinahagi din sa nasabing oryentasyon ang kahalagahan ng kahandaan at ang mga dapat gawin sa panahon ng sakuna.

Malaki ang maitutulong ng mga rain gauge sa pagmonitor ng water level sa panahon ng bagyo, ayon kay Roselee B. Buenconsejo, PDRRMO Staff for Training and Media activities.| PIA

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LTO: Oplan Ligtas Biyahe noong Semana Santa, tagumpay ODIONGAN, Romblon --- Isinagawa ang Oplan Ligtas Biyahe sa mga pangunahing terminal ng pampasaherong jeep at bus sa buong Tablas Island noong Semana Santa.

Ibinalita ng pamunuan ng Department of Transportation and Communications at Land Transportation Office(LTO) – Romblon ang matagumpay na pagsasagawa ng kampanya, na nakipagtulungan sa Philippine National Police at Highway Patrol Group (HPG) at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)bilang pakikiisa sa paggunita ng Semana Santa 2014.

Tiningnan ng mga tauhan ng LTO ang mga prangkisa ng sasakyang bumbiyahe ng malalayo at mga driver license ng mga nagmamaneho ng sasakyan upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga pasahero. Sinisiguro rin ng mga awtoridad ang mga gulong ng mga buses at jeepneys sa terminal

pa lang ng Odiongan bago ito pahintulutang yumaot sa mga kalsada.

Namigay din ng ilang mga brochures, flyers at leaflets ang mga tauhan ng LTO kung saan nakapaloob ang ilang mga paalala, safety tips at babala sa pagbibiyahe ngayong panahon ng bakasyon. Layunin ng programa ang maiwasan ang mga malalaking aksidente sa kalsada sa mga panahong madami ang mga turista at mga bakasyunistang umuuwi sa Romblon.

Paalala rin ng Land Transportation Office na laging bantayan ang sasakyan na minamaneho at lagging tatandaan na tingnan muna ng mabuti ang sasakyan bago gamitin sa mga malalayong biyahe lalo na kung medyo

may kalumaan na ito.

Ang Highway Patrol Group naman sa pamumuno ni Police Inspector Syd Cariaga ay magkabilaan ang isinagawang check-point sa mga pangunahing kalsada simula noong Semana Santa hanggang sa pag-uwi ng mga baksyunista paluwas ng kamaynilaan. Nagkaroon sila ng check-point operation kasama ang mga miyembro ng Philippine Coast Guard Substation sa Poctoy Port sa bayan ng Odiongan. Naglatag rin ng Assistance Desk sa kanilang opisina at mga pantalan ang mga nasabing ahensiya ng pamahalaan para sa mga motoristang mangangailangan ng tulong at serbisyo ng mga ito.| PIA

But Rovelinda de la Rosa, secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). said that, the 13-peso SEA will not be integrated into the basic pay and will form what is called the workers’ socioeconomic allowance (SEA).

Since it is considered an allowance, “no work [means] no SEA”.

The new wage order covers minimum wage workers and employees in private establishments regardless of their position, designation, or status of employment and method of payment.

The increase also applies to all workers paid by result, including those paid on piece work, takay, pakyaw, or task basis, and to seasonal or temporary workers.

Among those who will receive the highest rate are in the nonagriculture sector, particularly in Bacoor and Imus cities in Cavite; in Cainta and Taytay towns in Rizal; and the Laguna Techno Park in Biñan City and in San Pedro City in Laguna.

The new rate is computed based on the 7-percent regional growth rate (between 2011 and 2012) and present poverty incidence in Calabarzon, De la Rosa said.

However, domestic workers, family drivers, and workers of barangay microbusiness enterprises are excluded from the wage increase.

Under the new wage order, workers earning below P267 a day, like those in small grocery stores, beauty salons and spas or small farm workers, are to receive a P12 basic pay increase in two tranches on May 1 and on Dec. 1.

The militant Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Timog Katagalugan-Kilusang Mayo Uno (PamantikKMU), which has been lobbying for a P125 acrossthe-board pay increase, assailed the government’s decision.

“It’s just a 50-centavo increase from two years ago. The costs of fuel and basic commodities are not decreasing at all,” said Pamantik-KMU secretary general Wenecito Urgel.

The latest adjustment is also far less than the P75 and P79.50 daily wage hikes sought by “moderate” labor groups, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and Confederation of Labor and Allied Services, in separate petitions to the wage board in 2013.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

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<<<GOVERNMENT SERVICE... from P/1

PNoy presides over Air Force’s change of command in Lipa City He was also recently awarded as Cavalier Awardees for Staff Function during the PMA Alumni Homecoming last February 2014.

Delgado is also a seasoned military combat pilot and has been designated in various relevant and strategic positions in the PAF and in the AFP in general.

Meanwhile, the entire men and women of the PAF paid tribute and deep respect to the outgoing CG of PAF Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino G. Dela Cruz AFP, who retires from active militry service effective that day.

Lt General Dela Cruz was accorded the timehonored military parade and review traditionally rendered to honor the dedicated service of a military commander.

Succeeding the outgoing CG, PAF came from a list presented by the board of generals before the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP. The outgoing CG has spearheaded the entire PAF towards its aspiration for modernization and transformation, as the Air Force today has acquired more mission-essential air assets and other equipment, and along with this, are the innovations, initiatives which include professionalizing the entire Air Force's manpower which was realized under his leadership.

The new Air Force chief is expected to continue the momentum and efforts towards the emerging national security and defense needs and for our territorial defense initiatives.| JOENALD M. RAYOS | CARLO GONZAGA

Balikas Throwback to 1946, strengthening US stranglehold on the Philippines 4

By BENJIE OLIVEROS THE Aquino government has been rushing two things in time for the visit of US Pres. Barack Obama: the “Framework Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation” between the US and the Philippines that would provide US troops, warships, submarines, fighter planes and war materials greater access to military camps and other facilities such as airports, ports, warehouses; and moves to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to allow 100 percent foreign-owned corporations to have the same privileges as local corporations to own land and property, and to engage in business in otherwise restricted sectors of the economy such as exploitation of natural resources, operation of public utilities, media and education, among others.

Malacañang has been denying that it is rushing the agreement but the actions and statements of the Department of Foreign Affairs show otherwise. Likewise, President Aquino has been issuing statements distancing himself from moves to amend the 1987 Constitution but the actions of the ruling party and its allies in Congress, and the ease by which the resolution regarding the amendments has been passed belie claims that Malacañang has got nothing to do with it.

Why is it so important for the Aquino government to at least show its determination to pass the two measures when US President Obama arrives?

Because the US pivot to Asia is the main agenda of the trip of Pres. Obama, and this pivot not only involves increasing US military presence in the region but more important is pushing US economic interests, especially trade and investments, in the resource and market-rich Asia-Pacific region.

That is why the US entered, or rather hijacked, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in the first place.

The Aquino government has been claiming that the increased US military presence and access in the Philippines would protect the country in case the opposing claims to islands and shoals in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China escalates into armed clashes and would help the government achieve a “minimum credible defense posture.”

Progressive groups, on the other hand, are saying that while the country should assert its sovereign right over the disputed islands and shoal, it should not surrender its national sovereignty to another foreign power, the US at that, to be able to do so. And besides, the US has not made any categorical statement supporting Philippine claims and committing itself to come to the country’s aid if armed clashes would happen. With regards the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, having US military bases in the country from 1901 to 1991 and so many US-RP military agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, the Joint US-RP Military Advisory Group, the Visiting Forces of Agreement and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement did not help the AFP modernize.

“If the intention of the original Mutual Defense Treaty was to modernize the AFP, then it has utterly failed,” Prof. Roland Simbulan told bulatlat.com in an interview. http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/16/after-60-years-usrp-defense-pact-proved-useless-disadvantageous-to-philippines/ “The AFP is lagging behind even compared to Brunei in terms of defending external stability.”

According to Bayan Muna’s Satur Ocampo: “This treaty and the US have not really helped in AFP modernization. It only enhanced its dependence and derogated Philippine sovereignty.”

The Aquino government has also been claiming that amending the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution to remove restrictions on

OPINION

April 28 - May 4, 2014

“These were two men of courage, filled with the parrhesia of the Holy Spirit, and they bore witness before the Church and the world to God’s goodness and mercy.” – Pope Francis

>>>PERSPECTIVE..turn to P/7

CBCP online

perspective

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Tricks and Truth THE Napoles Affair has hit the mass and broadcast and social media once more.

Janet Lim-Napoles was reported to have submitted her application to become a state witness to the Department of Justice after DOJ Sec. Leila Delima engaged in a closed door talk with her.

Delima claimed that she had with her Napoles’ affidavit where she bared what she knows in the PDAF scam and all persons involved the plunder of people’s money.

Meanwhile, former Senator Panfilo Lacson claimed that Mrs. Napoles gave the list of persons in the PDAF scam and from what he had seen more than half of the members of the Senate and the Congress are included in the roll.

The Napoles Affidavit is of no use unless the DOJ acted favourably on Napoles’ application to be a state witness. Politicians not the people will benefit from it unless Mrs. Napoles become a state witness. It is one of the tricks that Napoles play to add flavour to her story.

Republic Act 6981 provides six conditions before an application to be discharged as state witness can be granted. According to the said law, an applicant may be discharged from the criminal charge and utilized as state witness if: (a) the offense in which his testimony will be used is a grave felony; (b) there is absolute

necessity for his testimony; (c) there is no other direct evidence available for the proper prosecution of the offense committed; (d) his testimony can be substantially corroborated on its material points; (e) he does not appear to be the most guilty; and (f) he has not at any time been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude (see sec. 12, R.A. 6981).

Contested with the foregoing conditions, Napoles’ application should be denied. For sure, she is indubitably one of those who appeared to be most guilty of the charges. Besides, whatever she would provide as evidence may be testified to by the whistle blowers who claimed to have personal knowledge of these crimes.

Moreover, the documents pertaining to the PDAF scam mostly are public documents in the possession of pertinent government agencies. As such, there is no way that her application to become a state witness could be granted.

If she could not be a state witness, then, what use would her affidavit be for the prosecution? Nothing, except that it could be utilized to contradict her declaration of innocence in court. But the Napoles Affidavit is absolutely useless insofar as the others who

>>>MURIA....turn to P/5

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Ang Mabuting Balita A bilingual weekly newspaper of general circulation published by the PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS, INC., a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Certificate No. CS201401804.

Office: The BALIKAS Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Brgy. Calicanto, 4200 Batangas City, Philippines  043.417.1662 |  0912.902.7373 | 0917.512.9477 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com | www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas Lipa Office: San Sebastian St.,Brgy. 10, Lipa City Joenald Medina Rayos Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Ronalina B. Lontoc

Columnists: Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jose Sison Atty. Jesus Dureza | Atty. Ramel C. Muria

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Official Representative - Lipa Office

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Member: Batangas League for Alternative Development & Services (BLADES), Inc.

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Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’.

Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

Sa Daang Papunta sa Emaus NANG araw ding iyon, may dalawang alagad na naglalakad papuntang Emaus, isang nayong may labing-isang kilometro ang layo mula sa Jerusalem.

Pinag-uusapan nila ang mga pangyayari. Habang sila'y nag-uusap, lumapit si Jesus at nakisabay sa kanila, ngunit siya'y hindi nila nakilala na para bang natatakpan ang kanilang mga mata. Tinanong sila ni Jesus, "Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan ninyo?"

Tumigil silang nalulumbay, at sinabi ni Cleopas, "Ikaw lamang yata ang dayuhan sa Jerusalem na hindi nakakaalam sa mga pangyayaring katatapos lamang maganap doon."

"Anong pangyayari?" tanong niya.

Sumagot sila, "Tungkol kay Jesus na taga-Nazaret, isang propetang makapangyarihan sa salita at gawa maging sa harap ng Diyos at ng mga tao. Isinakdal siya ng aming mga punong pari at mga pinuno ng bayan upang mahatulang mamatay, at siya'y ipinako sa krus.

Siya pa naman ang inaasahan naming magpapalaya sa Israel. Hindi lamang iyan. Ikatlong araw na ngayon mula nang mangyari ito. Nabigla kami sa ibinalita ng ilan sa mga babaing kasamahan namin. Maagangmaaga raw silang nagpunta sa libingan at hindi nila natagpuan ang kanyang bangkay. Nagbalik sila at ang sabi'y nakakita raw sila ng isang pangitain, mga anghel na nagsabing si Jesus ay buhay. Pumunta rin sa libingan ang ilan sa mga kasama namin at ganoon nga ang natagpuan nila, ngunit hindi nila nakita si Jesus."

Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, "Hindi ba kayo makaunawa? Bakit hindi kayo makapaniwala sa lahat ng sinasabi ng mga propeta? Hindi ba't kailangang ang Cristo ay magtiis ng lahat ng ito bago niya makamtan ang kanyang marangal na katayuan?" At patuloy na ipinaliwanag sa kanila ni Jesus ang lahat ng sinasabi sa Kasulatan tungkol sa kanyang sarili, simula sa mga aklat ni Moises hanggang sa mga sinulat ng mga propeta.

Malapit na sila sa nayong kanilang pupuntahan at si Jesus ay parang magpapatuloy pa sa paglakad, ngunit siya'y pinigil nila. "Tumuloy ka muna rito sa amin.

Malapit na ang gabi, dumidilim na," sabi nila. Kaya't sumama nga siya sa kanila. Nang siya'y kasalo na nila sa pagkain, dumampot siya ng tinapay at nagpasalamat sa Diyos; pagkatapos, pinagpira-piraso iyon at ibinigay sa kanila. Noon nabuksan ang kanilang mga mata at nakilala nila si Jesus, subalit siya'y biglang nawala sa kanilang paningin. Nasabi nila sa isa't isa, "Kaya pala nag-uumapaw ang ating pakiramdam habang tayo'y kinakausap niya sa daan at ipinapaliwanag ang mga Kasulatan!"

Agad silang tumayo at nagbalik sa Jerusalem.

Naratnan nilang nagkakatipon doon ang labing-isa at ang ibang kasamahan nila. Sinabi ng mga ito sa dalawa, "Totoo nga palang muling nabuhay ang Panginoon!

Nagpakita siya kay Simon!" At isinalaysay naman ng dalawa ang nangyari sa daan at kung paano nila nakilala si Jesus nang paghati-hatiin nito ang tinapay.|

OPINION

April 28 - May 4, 2014

Manyak daw si kuya SI Kim, 52-anyos, isang magsasaka ay dalawang taon nang kasal sa pangalawang asawa niyang si Mary, 51. Walang anak ang mag-asawa. May mga anak si Jacinto sa una niyang asawa at nakatira sa ibang lugar.

Mga bandang Setyembre, dumating sa buhay ng mag-asawa ang 15-anyos na si Frechie. Pamangkin ni Mary si Frechie. Dinala siya ng mismong ina para manilbihan sa bahay ng mag-asawa. Mula nang masilayan ni Kim ang dalaga ay nagbago ang lahat.

Pakiramdam niya ay muli siyang naging bata at nabuhay na muli ang kanyang nanghihinang pagkalalaki.

Agad siyang nag-umpisang magparamdam ng pagkagusto kay Frechie. Isang linggo matapos dumating si Frechie, isang gabi ng Setyembre ay nagawang pasukin ni Kim ang kuwarto ng dalaga.

Palibhasa’y kapirasong kahoy lang ang gamit para maikandado ang pinto at walang nagawa si Frechie nang puwersahan itong itulak mula sa labas. Kaya nangyari ang unang pakikipagtalik kay Frechie.

Sa mga sumunod na gabi ay pumayag na rin ang dalaga sa kagustuhan ni Kim. Napaniwala siya ng lalaki na pakakasalan siya at sa bandang huli nga ay nagugustuhan na rin niya ang ginagawang pag-angkin ng lalaki sa kanyang murang katawan. Tumagal ng halos tatlong buwan ang kanilang relasyon bago sila nahuli ni Mary na nagtatalik sa kusina. Nang sumunod na araw ay umuwi sa kanilang bahay si Frechie at inamin ang lahat

ng nangyari sa kanyang mga magulang. Nang kasuhan para sa krimen ng seduction ay pinalusot ni Jacinto na hindi naman daw niya kailanman pinangako kay Frechie na pakakasalan ito.

Inimbento lang ito ng dalaga at hindi naman napatunayan sa korte. Tama ba si Kim?  MALI. Kapag ang akusado na gumawa ng krimen ay isang opisyal, pari o ministro, titser, tutor o kahit sino na may titulo o panunungkulan, o may responsibilidad sa pangangalaga sa babaeng biktima, siguradong mananagot siya sa batas kahit pa hindi siya gumamit ng panloloko o panlilinlang. Kung halimbawa naman ay nagtatrabaho sa kanila ang biktima, o isang katulong o kasambahay, hindi na rin kailangan na patunayan pa ito. Basta isang birhen ang sangkot na may edad dose hanggang disiotso anyos, ang kasong seduction ay nagiging qualified seduction kahit pa walang panlolokong nangyari o kahit pa kusang nakipagtalik ang birhen. Ang dahilan dito, ayon sa batas, ay dahil likas na kasama ang panloloko o deceit bilang simpleng elemento ng krimen ng seduction at hindi na kailangan pa na patunayan sa kasong qualified seduction. Sa mas mabigat na kaso ay napapalitan na ito ng pang-aabuso sa tiwala ng biktima.

Siyempre ay kasama sa ginawang pag-abuso ng tiwala ng biktima ang panloloko. Ito ang desisyon sa kasong Pp. v. Fontanilla, 23 SCRA 1227.|

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Kailangan natin ang US KASALUKUYANG nasa isang malaking isyu ang Pilipinas kontra sa isang higanteng military power dahil sa patuloy nitong pinapasok . ang ilang bahagi ng ating teritoryo.

Para sa isang katulad nating bansa, kailangan ng Pilipinas ang kaakibat para hindi ituloy ng Tsina ang gusto nitong kunin ang ilang importanteng bahagi ng ating teritoryo. Kung ang Japan at ang South Korea nga po na mga kinikilalang mga malalakas na bansa at may kakayahang ipagtanggol ang kanilang interes ay patuloy na isinusulong ang presensiya ng US Armed Forces tayo pa kaya. Para po sa impormasyon ng ating mga nagbabasa, ang Japan at South Korea ay nagbabayad po sa US para sa pananatili nito sa kanilang bansa. Tayo po ay libiri po nating napapakinabangan ang US. Mga kababayan, ang susi sa survival ng ating bansa ay ang mga praktikal na approach sa ating pakikitungo sa ibang bansa at hindi yung makitid na pananaw na nagtatago sa likod ng nasyonalismo.

Ayon pa sa isang kolumnista, nationalism with pragmatism is still the best foreign policy.  Nitong mga nakaraang araw lang ay patuloy na pinaguusapan ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas at Amerika ang isang security deal kung saan pahihintulutan ang American military forces na maki-share sa pag gamit ng mga lokal na bases ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas para sa maritime at humanitarian operations.

Kung wala tayong kakayahang pigilan ang Tsina at iba pang bansa na mag harvest ng mga yamang dagat

sa ating karagatan, nakikita ko na malaking tulong ang puwersa ng mga Kano para mapangalagaan natin ang ating obligasyon sa mga international conservation agreements na pinirmahan natin.

At sa humanitarian missions naman, nakita na natin kung gaano na lang ang response ng ating puwersa sa Yolanda devastation.

Kung may kasama tayo sa pagtugon sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, maganda ang kahinanatnan ng ating disaster response. Di po ba?  Ang mga ito ay hindi naman paglabag sa batas. At mas lalong hindi ito kontra sa interes natin bilang isang bansang namemeligrong hindi makapagbigay ng kaukulang response sa mga panganib na nasabi ko dahil na rin sa hindi pa ganun nag take off ang ating AFP modernization noong mga nakaraan taon.  Binabati ko nga po pala ang aming bagong Commanding General sa Philippine Air Force na si Major General Jeffrey Delgado na isa po sa mga ipinagmamalaki at iginagalang po namin hindi lang po ng mga opisyal at sundalo ng Philipine Air Force kundi ng buong AFP. At good luck din po sa dati po naming Commanding General na si Lt Gen Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz. Maraming salamat din nga pala kay Assistant Director Alejo Tamayo at kay Mrs Juliet Gomez ng NFA na pinagbigyan po tayong makabili ng 20 sakong bigas para po sa mga mga maralita nating kababayan dito sa paligid ng Fernando Air Base, Lipa City.|

........................................................................................................................................................ <<<MURIA....from P/4

Tricks and Truth

are charged with her are concerned. An established legal principle prohibits the admission of an accused’s confession as against his or her co-conspirators unless it could be shown by other evidence that conspiracy existed between them.

Well, the Napoles Affidavit and the mysterious List are politically volatile tools in the hands of political spin doctors. They may not help the rule of law but they may be used by unscrupulous politicians to rule by law.

They are tools of persecution, not of prosecution. Unless their contents are disclosed to the public, they remain lethal dirty tricks. Their handlers (possessors) have

suddenly become politically powerful with powers to destroy anyone in their way.

The people deserve the truth. Everything must be disclosed before the public so that they can keep a watchful eye on those who are implicated in the Napoles Affair and on the actions that the government will take.

Delima and Lacson should bare all now. The Napoles List is for the people. In spite of any claim of secrecy or privacy, everything about Napoles, her co-conspirators and minions are matters of public concern. As such, the people should not be denied full access to any information about them.|

Balikas

5

PAF Change of Command KGG. BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, Pangulo ng Pilipinas [Talumpati ng pagpaparangal kay Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz at pagpapalit-atas ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas. Inihayag sa Fernando Airbase, Lungsod ng Lipa, noong ika-25 ng Abril 2014.]

MAGANDANG umaga po sa inyong lahat.

Mahigit dalawang taon na po ang nakakalipas nang maghanap tayo ng susunod na pinuno ng Philippine Air Force upang humalili sa noo’y magreretirong si Lieutenant General Oscar Rabena. At isa nga po sa mga kandidato rito ay si General Larry dela Cruz. Hindi ko man siya noon kakilala, nangibabaw po siya sa lahat ng kandidato. Kahanga-hanga ang ipinamalas niyang katangian sa serbisyo: patas siya sa lahat ng posisyong kanyang hinawakan; at sa kabila ng di-mabilang na parangal na kanyang natanggap, naging huwaran siya ng pagpapakumbaba. Iginagalang ang kanyang liderato dahil sa kanyang husay at kakayahan, gayundin sa pagmamalasakit sa kanyang nasasakupan.

Malinaw naman po: Hindi tayo nagkamali sa pagpili kay Lieutenant General dela Cruz na pamunuan ang ating Hukbong Himpapawid. Mas matayog ang naging tagumpay, at mas lumakas ang puwersa ng ating Air Force mula nang siya ay manungkulan. Maigting niyang itinaguyod ang propesyunalismo sa Hukbong Himpapawid, at sinigurong nasasagad ang kakayahan at serbisyo ng inyo pong hanay.

Noon nga pong nagsimula tayo, isa lang ang ating C-130. Ibig sabihin, isa lang ang eroplano nating may kakayahang maghatid ng bulto-bultong kagamitan sa mga sundalong nakadestino sa malalayong lugar, at magpadala ng tulong sa mga sinalanta ng bagyo. Pero hindi ito naging dahilan para magpatumpik-tumpik ang inyong hanay. Nang sinalanta ng Bagyong Sendong ang Visayas at Mindanao noong 2011, nag-iisa man ang ating C-130 ng panahong iyon, hindi ninyo inalintana ang maya’t mayang pagbalik o pagbabalik sa mga apektadong lugar para sumaklolo.

Fast forward naman po tayo sa 2013, kung kailan patong-patong na delubyo ang dumating sa ating bansa. Mula sa gulo sa Zamboanga, lindol sa Cebu at Bohol, hanggang sa pananalanta ng bagyong Yolanda sa Kabisayaan, nasaksihan ng mundo ang inyong pambihirang serbisyo ninyo sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi kayo nagpasindak sa karahasan, hindi kayo nawalan ng loob sa kabila ng paghahasik ng agam-agam ng iilan, at hindi kayo umatras sa nakaambang mga peligro.

Kongkretong halimbawa nito ang ipinakitang tapang at gilas ng Air Force sa pagresponde sa mga sinalanta ng supertyphoon Yolanda. Ayon nga sa PAGASA, peligroso pang lumipad pagkatapos ng bagyo. At sa babalang ito, wala naman sigurong makakapagsumbat sa ating mga piloto kung hindi sila makapunta agad sa mga apektadong lugar. Pero sa sandaling pumasok na sa “acceptable parameters” sa paglipad ang sitwasyon, agad na tumungo ang Air Force sa Leyte. Kaya naman pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng bagyo, may mga dumating na tayong helicopter na sakay ang mga kasapi ng Sandatahang Lakas para buksan ang Tacloban Airport. Sa loob ng dalawang oras, nakalapag na ang tatlong C-130 sa Tacloban, at dirediretso nang tumungo sa mga sortie—nagkaloob ng relief goods at gamot, at nagbitbit ng mga sugatan sa mga ospital sa labas ng Tacloban.

Isipin na lang po natin: Kung inuna ng inyong liderato ang takot; kung inuna nila ang pansariling interes; kung hindi nangibabaw ang malasakit at katapatan sa tungkulin ng ating hukbo—baka nga po marami sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo ang hindi nabigyan ng agarang lingap. Malinaw po: nang nangailangan ang ating mga kababayan, walang dalawang-isip na sumuong sa disaster area ang ating unipormadong hanay. Hindi po kalabisang sabihin na nadala kayo ng magandang halimbawa ng inyong mga pinuno: Sa hanay nga po ng Air Force, nariyan ang inyong pangkalahatang piloto na si Lieutenant General dela Cruz na gumabay sa inyo sa matuwid na direksyon. Ang kanya nga pong pamanang kaisipan sa ating lahat, “Anumang itinakda sa iyo ay gawin mo nang tama, at sa abot ng iyong makakaya.”

Sa pangunguna po niya, umangat pa ang kapasidad ng ating Hukbong Himpapawid. Ngayon nga po, tatlo na ang ating C-130. Napasakamay na rin natin ang walong sokol combat utility helicopters, gayundin ang 18 basic trainer aircraft na ginagamit na sa pagsasanay ng ating mga piloto.

Talaga naman pong saludo tayo sa makabuluhang pagbabago na isinakatuparan ni Lieutenant General dela Cruz para sa ating Air Force.

Kaya naman sa pagbaba niya sa puwesto, angkop lang pong samasama tayong magbalik-tanaw at magbigay-pugay sa kanyang mahahalagang ambag dito sa Fernando Airbase—ang lugar kung saan nagbukal ang makulay niyang propesyon bilang sundalo at lingkod-bayan.

Kay Lieutenant General Lauro dela Cruz: Maraming salamat sa iyong tapat na pagsisilbi sa bansa; ikinararangal ka ng ating mga Boss. [Applause] Sa pagbubukas naman ng bagong liderato ng Air Force sa ilalim ni Major General Jeffrey Delgado, lalo pang mamamayagpag ang inyong serbisyo. Ito nga pong si Major General Delgado ay naglingkod bilang kasapi ng ating Presidential Security Group, noon pang panahon ng aking ina. Tunay pong di-matatawaran ang kakayahan ni General Delgado. Ilang piloto lang po ang tulad niya na kayang magpalipad ng kombinasyon ng fixed at rotary wing aircraft. Kuwalipikado siyang piloto ng T-28D at MG520 na mga combat aircraft, ng T-41D at SF-260 na mga trainer aircraft, at naging co-pilot na rin siya ng BN Islander, na isang multi-engine passenger aircraft.

>>>PANGULO..sundan sa P/7

BUSINESS

April 28 - May 4, 2014

DTI-Quezon, nagsagawa ng furniture forum LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon -- Isang furniture forum ang isinagawa kamakailan ng DTI-Quezon para sa mga grupo at indibidwal na gumagawa ng mga muwebles, katulad ng bamboo houses, bamboo furniture at iba pang bagay na gumagamit ng kahoy, kawayan at yantok.

Ginawa ang forum sa DTI conference room kung saan si Victor D. Ombajino, chief forester ng DENR, ang pangunahing tagapagsalita.

Ilan sa mga grupong lumahok ay ang CBAW, Kawayan, Rattan at Kahoy Association, Lingkod Banahaw, New Gumaca Woodcraft MPC, Paragas Agri Enterprise, Tiaong

Farmers MPC at ilang indibidwal.

Sa pagnanais na lalo pang matulungan ang mga nasa pagne-negosyo ng kahoy, binabalak ng grupo na gawin nang ganap na pederasyon ang kanilang samahan.

Napag-alaman ng samahan na sila’y mangangailangan ng malaking halaga upang maisakatuparan ang

mga binabalak. Dahil dito, kanilang aanyayahan ang Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives upang sila’y matulungan.

Ang lalawigan ng Quezon ang may pinakamalaking nasasakupang kagubatan at inaasahang malaking potensyal ang angking yaman mula sa punong kahoy, kawayan at yantok na pangunahing gamit sa paggawa ng muwebles.

Dahil sa paliliwanag ni Ombajino tungkol sa ginagawang pamamahala ng DENR sa kagubatan at ilang regulasyon na nauukol sa mga punong kahoy na ginagawang tabla, ang pagtitipon ay nagbigay ng

sagot at kaliwanagan sa maraming katanungan tungkol sa mga batas ng DENR. Nagbigay din ng dagdag na paliwanag si Director Marelina Alcantara ng DTIQuezon tungkol sa ‘shared service facility’, isang proyekto ng DTI na nagbibigay ng makinarya at iba pang kagamitang pangproduksyon, at kung paano ito makakatulong sa samahan.

Sa huli, bumalangkas ng plano ang samahan upang itaas ang antas ng produksyon at kalidad ng mga muebles na gawa sa lalawigan ng Quezon.| CHARLIE S. DAJAO

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Pag-angkat ng calamansi sa Oriental Mindoro, inaaral ng pamahalaang panlalawigan CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro -- Masusing inaaral ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang posibilidad ng pagangkat ng produktong calamansi sa lalawigan ng iba’t ibang kumpanya mula pa sa Maynila.

Ito ang pinakahuling ulat ni Provincial Agriculturist Nilo Dimailig sa lingguhang Management Committee Meeting ng kapitolyo.

Ayon kay Dimailig, ang market-matching para sa calamansi ay mahalagang bahagi sa pagpapatupad ng Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) kung saan pilot

province ang lalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro. Sa pamamagitan nito, naihahanap ng angkop na mamimili at merkado ang mga calamansi na nanggagaling sa lalawigan.

Ani Dimailig, “Malaki rin ang benepisyo nito para sa calamansi producers sa lalawigan dahil direkta ang pakikipag-negosasyon ng mga ito sa mga potensyal na institutional buyers ng kanilang mga produkto.”

Ang negosasyon na inorganisa kamakailan ng Department of Agriculture (DA) ay isinagawa sa pagitan ng ilang malalaking

FOR SALE

Offset Printing Machine Solna 124 Offset Machine | Japan-made Vertical Platemaker |3-Phase Power Motor Converter Push-Button Switch Set up For details, Call / Text 0912.902.7373 or 0917.521.9477

BANKING

WOMEN’S RURAL BANK, INC. Deposits | Loans | Financing Services Carandang St., Poblacion, Rosario, Batangas

BATANGAS RURAL BANK FOR COOPERATIVES, INC. Deposits | Loans | Financing Services Collecting Agent of Meralco, BCWD, etc.

Pastor Avenue, Market Site, Cuta, Batangas City

“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” - Theophrastus, philosopher

kumpanya sa Maynila at ng kalamansi producers, sa pamamagitan ng Oriental Mindoro Federation of Farmers Association (OMFFA) at Naujan Farmers Association (NaFa).

Samantala, ayon sa ulat ng Communication and Public Relations Services Division ng kapitolyo, kabilang sa mga nakikipagnegosasyon sa calamansi producers sa lalawigan ay ang mga sumusunod: Marigold (Mama Sita) na nangangailangan ng 60 metriko tonelada ng kalamansi sa loob ng dalawang buwan; Victoria Foods na nangangailangan ng isang metriko tonelada linggu-linggo; Global Partners, Inc. na nangangailangan ng 500 tonelada ng kalamansi kada-

taon.

Ang Destileria Limtuaco naman ay may kasunduan na sa Tugdaan Calamansi Processing Center sa barangay Paitan, Naujan para sa regular na pagsusuplay nito ng calamansi products sa nasabing kumpanya.

Dahil dito, tiniyak ni Dimailig na sapat ang suplay ng calamansi ng lalawigan at kayang makapagluwas nang kahit higit pa sa kinakailangan ng mga nabanggit na institutional buyers. Batay sa tala ng Provincial Agriculture Office, umabot sa 19,609.347 metriko tonelada ng kalamansi ang naging Annual Production ng Oriental Mindoro noong nakaraang taon.| PNA

LEGAL NOTICE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF SHARE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late MARCELINO M. CALALO who died intestate on September 2, 2010 consisting of a parcel of land and a building erected in this land, containing an area of 342 square meters and 60 square meters, respectively, covered by Tax Declaration of Real Property TD/ARP No. 02-0012-00373 and Tax Declaration of Real Property TD/ARP No. 02-0012-00374, respectively, both situated at Muzon 2.0, Alitagtag, Batangas, have been extrajudicially settled by ang among his heirs with waiver of share per Doc. No. 33; Page No. 07; Book No. V; Series of 2014 of ATTY. JOSE DOMINGO L. TAN, Notary Public.

Pahayagang Balikas / April 14, 21 & 28, 2014

SERVICE

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES Company Registration Consulancy & Processing

E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com

6

DOST-Rizal launches STARBOOKS digital library in URS-Morong ANTIPOLO City – The Department of Science and Technology – Rizal and the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute introduced Science & Technology Academic and Research Based Openly Operated Kiosk System (STARBOOKS) digital library to the University of Rizal System during its launch at the URS-Morong Campus last April 3.

STARBOOKS is a digital library developed by DOST complete with full text, photos and videos which is able to function without an internet connection. STARBOOKS will also be open to public use in order promote education through the utilization of the

databank.

The launch also included basic training of librarians in the usage of the system’s interface. Aside from URSMorong other URS campuses in Tanay, Rodriguez, Antipolo, Pililia and Binangonan will also have access to the system later on. Rizal is the third Calabarzon province to use the system aside from Cavite and Batangas.

Present during the STARBOOKS launch were DOST Rizal Provincial Director Fernando Ablaza, URS Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Flordeliza Penaranda and representatives from DOST and various URS campuses.| PIA RIZAL

JUDICIAL NOTICE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 87 ROSARIO, BATANGAS IN RE: PETITION FOR THE CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF ESTRELLA BABASA GOMEZ TO EFFECT CORRECTION IN THE ENTRY “JANUARY 11, 1955” THE BIRTH DATE OF THE PETITIONER, PROPERLY AS “JANUARY 21, 1954” ESTRELLA G. CADANO Petitioner; versus

SPEC. PROC. CASE NO. 2014-257

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF IBAAN, BATANGAS, Respondent.

X------------------------------X ORDER A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner through counsel, praying the Court that after due notice, publication and hearing, this petition be granted ordering the Local Civil Registrar of Ibaan and the Administrator and Civil Registrar of the National Statistics Office, to correct the entry in the birth date of petitioner so that it will be properly entered as “January 21, 1954” after payment of the fees prescribed by law.

NOW THEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this case be set for hearing on May 12, 2014 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon before the session hall of this Court, on which date, time and place, all interested party may appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let copy of this Order be published at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Batangas, prior to the scheduled date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

Likewise, let copy of the petition and this Order be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Rosario and the National Statistics Office for their Comment/Opposition thereto.

SO ORDERED. Rosario, Batangas, May 17, 2014.

(Sgd.) DORCAS O. FERRIOLS-PEREZ Assisting Judge Pahayagang Balikas April 14, 21 & 28, 2014

Tawag na sa Pahayagang Balikas Telephone No. (043) 417.1662 * 0917.521.9477 * 0912.902.7373 para sa inyong pagpapalathala.

Nicetas E. Escalona, Lifetimes Editor

LIFE TIMES

<<<PERSPECTIVE....from P/4

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) 22) - Kung may plano, isipin Magiging maayos ang samamunang mabuti kung ano han sa pagitan ng mga kaibiang hakbang at unang gan, kasambahay at kasamasisimulan.

Tiyakin na han sa trabaho. May mangmagiging organisado ang yayaring ikakatuwa. bawat kilos.

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Anuman ang gawin, Hindi inasahan na makakasalubong ang mga dating kaibigan. Walang dapat panghinayangan sa mangyayari. ituloy basta nakatitiyak na hindi makakasagasa ng kapwa.

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Labis ang Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - W alang dahilan pangungulila sa kasintahan o minamahal na magkunwaring masaya kung taliwas pero walang magagawa kundi magtiis dahil naman sa tunay na nararamdaman. Maging sa pangangailangan. May matamis na natural dahil ang pinakamahirap sa lahat bungang pipitasin sa pagsisikap. ay ang niloloko ang sarili.

Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Kung Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Panahon ng mainit ang ulo, magpalipas muna bago pagbabago sa masamang ugali. Ang humarap ng tao. Huwag dalhin sa pagbago ay sadyang mahirap gawin, trabaho ang problema. subalit hindi dapat sumuko kung sa kabutihan ng sarili at kapwa.

Pisces (Peb. 19-Mar. 20) - Piliin ang sasamahang kaibigan at ang pupunVirgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Asahan na tahang lugar. May pagkakataon na maraming trabaho ang gagawin ngayong makakilala ng taong makakatulong. araw. Matatapos ang mga gawain kung iiwasan ang tsismisan Aries (Mar. 21-Abril 19) - Hindi maiiwasan Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Gawin ang paraan para ang kumpetensiya sa kahit anong larangan, huwag maibalik ang tiwala sa sarili. Maging positibo at tiyak na bigyan ng sobrang pansin dahil sarili ang mangungunsumi. Gawin ang nararapat.| maganda ang resulta sa ginagawa o gagawin.

Throwback to 1946, strengthening U.S. stranglehold on R.P. foreign corporations doing business in the country would attract more foreign investments, which, in turn, would spur economic growth, generate employment, and enable the country to catch up with its neighbors.

Progressive think tank group Ibon Foundation, on the other hand, has come up with studies showing the contrary.

In its report to the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Ibon said that “despite lamentations that the country is a regional laggard, foreign direct investments (FDI) have increased by every possible measure. Annual FDI inflows increased fifteen-fold and the cumulative stock twenty-fold between 1981 and 2013.

Inflows have tripled as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) and doubled as a percentage of gross fixed capital formation.”

Jose Enrique Africa, Ibon executive director, said “despite the continuing rise in foreign direct investments, government’s own data show that there has been a rise in the country’s unemployment rate and forced migration, as well as chronic poverty and severe inequality.

Flashback 60 to 70 years ago.

Then Senate President Manuel Quezon objected to the Hare-Hawes Cutting Law, which would have granted ‘independence’ to the Philippines after a 10-year Commonwealth period, because of

the provision that “gave the U.S. president unilateral authority within two years of Philippine independence to retain military and naval bases for the United States.”

(Why and How the USPhilippine Military Bases Agreement of 1947 Got Approved by Stephen R. Shalom, republished by the Filipino Mind, November 28, 2012) Quezon was quoted as saying that he was “absolutely and unqualifiedly opposed to all kinds of United States reservations in the Philippine Islands after independence shall have been granted. But it does mean that I will never give my consent to any law that gives this discretionary power to the President of the United

States.”

However, on the eve of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Quezon changed his position, which he expressed in a cable to a US newspaper (to William Philip Simms, ScrippsHoward Newspapers, 4 Dec. 1941) “It is not true that I have ever objected to having American naval stations in the Philippines after independence. All I wanted was that their establishment should be with the consent of the Government of the Philippines. I did object to military reservations and still do object now because your having military reservations everywhere in the Philippines after independence would in effect nullify independence.”

-To be continued -

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<<<PANGULO.....mula sa P/5

PAF Change of Command

Ang lawak ng karanasan at kaalaman nga po sa Hukbong Himpapawid ang isang matibay na batayan sa pagpili natin kay Major General Delgado bilang inyong bagong Hepe. Batid niya ang mga kakulangan sa inyong hanay na dapat nating tugunan; at magsisilbi siyang punong tagapayo sa direksyon ng modernisasyon ng Air Force para sa lalong pagpapabuti ng inyong serbisyo.

Alam naman po nating katambal ng pagiging piloto ang mga peligro. Ang balita nga po sa akin, dalawang beses na raw pong nag-crash ang eroplanong pinalipad noon ni Major General Delgado dahil sa engine failure. At ang isa nga po sa mga ito ay muntik na talaga niyang ikinamatay. Buti nga lang po’t nang bumulusok sa tubig ang kanyang sinasakyan, nakaalpas at nakalangoy siya hanggang sa makakita ng mangingisda para matulungan siya.

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<<<F. E. S. T. ...from P/8

Laguna set for...

Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan; ancient historical houses in Pila; three protected landscapes of Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal.

For diversions from the Palaro guests and spectators, Gov. ER also pitched for Laguna’s eight premiere golf courses from Caliraya to Canlubang and on religious tourism for spiritual journey to the centuries-old churches such as in Majayjay where the ancient St. Gregory the Great Parish Church built in the 15th century serves as the bastion of Christianization in the province.

Bilib po talaga tayo sa kanya: Sa kabila ng mga peligrong hinarap niya bilang piloto at bilang kasapi ng Hukbong Himpapawid, hindi siya bumitiw sa paglilingkod-bayan.

Sa unang dalawang taon naman natin sa termino, nakasama natin si Major General Jeff bilang Senior Military Aide. Kasama natin siya sa mga yugtong iyon nang ibinabangon natin ang bansa mula sa sangkaterbang problema na ating minana. Sa tagal nga po naming magkakilala, alam ko ang laman ng puso ni Jeff: Marangal siyang tao, tahimik at may dignidad na tumutupad sa tungkulin, at lagi nating matitiyak na uunahin niya ang interes ng bansa kaysa sarili.

Kaya naman, Jeff, sa tagal nga, at ikaw nga ay talagang kakilala ko—si Larry na hindi ko kakilala eh talagang ang husay ng performance; palagay ko alam mo na inaasahan ko sa ‘yo, doble lang.

Kompiyansa naman po tayong higit pang titibay at lalakas ang hanay ng ating mga kawal lalo pa’t may gobyerno na kayong tunay na kumakalinga sa inyo. Isipin ninyo: 2005 pa nang iretiro ang huli nating F-5 freedom fighter aircraft. Hangad po nating muling malinang ang kapasidad ng ating mga pilotong magpalipad nito para sa ating mga operasyong pangmilitar. At ang good news nga po: Sa pag-arangkada ng ating modernisasyon, inaasahan nating mapapasaatin na simula sa susunod na taon ang mga bagong FA50 mula sa Korea.

Gayundin, target po nating bumili ng walong combat utility helicopters; six close air support aircraft, two long-range

7

April 28 - May 4, 2014

Pinoy recipes. Lutuing Pinoy Yema cake

Combine flour mixture and egg white mixture.

Slowly add vegetable oil and fold using a rubber spatula.

Line or grease cake pan and pour the mixture.

Bake in a preheated oven at 347 °F for 40 minutes Yema or Milk Custard frosting: In a shallow pan, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk and egg yolks.

Cook the mixture at low fire, while continuously stirring until the texture becomes thick.

Cake decoration: Slice the chiffon cake in half horizontally, to make two rectangular cake.

Spread part of Yema frosting at the top of 1st half of Chiffon cake.

Put back the half of the cake and cover the whole cake with the custard.

Garnish with grated cheese and serve with hot or cold drinks.

Cooking Tips: Another way of making Custard : Place a metal mixing bowl over a casserole with steaming water, stirring constantly until mixture is thickened.

When folding merengue to the batter, do not stir. Cut and fold in a good timing, too slow makes the mixture watery |

CREAMY and delicious 2 layer chiffon cake, with yema or milk custard frosting.

Yema is a chewy candy wrapped in a cellophane, this candy is made of condensed milk and egg yolks.

Ingredients: CAKE BATTER 2 1/2 Cup cake flour 3 Teaspoon baking powder 1 Teaspoon salt 1/2 cup vegetable oil 6 Egg yolks 1/4 Cup sugar 1 Cup whole milk 1 Teaspoon lemon extract MERENGUE 6 Egg whites 1 Cup sugar 1 Teaspoon cream of tartar YEMA FROSTING 1 Can evaporated milk 1 Can condensed milk 6 Egg yolks Cooking Directions: Put cake flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl, mix and sift.

In a separate bowl, put together egg yolks, sugar, milk, and lemon essence.

Beat in slow speed or mix with a wire whisk until mixture is smooth.

Combine dry and wet mixture, continue mixing until well blended. Set aside.

On a separate bowl , mix egg whites and cream of tartar.

Gradually add in sugar and continue to beat until stiff but not dry.

PA L A IS IPA N patrol aircraft, at mga radar systems.

Bukod rito, plano rin nating bumili ng full motion flight simulator upang mas mapaunlad pa ang kasanayan ng ating mga piloto.

Kasabay naman ng pagkakaloob sa inyo ng mga makabagong kagamitan, itinataguyod na rin natin ang maayos na pamumuhay ng inyong pamilya.

Tuloy-tuloy ang ating programang pabahay, mga proyektong pangkabuhayan, at ang paglalatag ng mga istratehiya para matutukan ang kapakanan maging ng mga nagreretirong sundalo.

Sa nakalipas na halos apat na taon, nakamit natin ang positibong bunga ng ating mabuting pamamahala. Sa mga huling yugto ng ating termino, nawa’y patuloy tayong humakbang sa iisang direksyon. Tiwala ako sa patuloy na pakikibalikat ng Hukbong Himpapawid; sa walang pagod ninyong pagbabantay sa ating teritoryo, sa buong-giting ninyong pagprotekta sa ating kababayan mula sa masasamang elemento at anumang delubyo, at sa pakikihakbang ninyo upang gawing permanente ang tinatamasa nating malawakang transpormasyon sa lipunan.

Sa lahat nga po ng pagsubok na pinagdaanan natin bilang bansa, damang-dama natin ang pagkalinga ng Hukbong Himpapawid at ng buong Sandatahang Lakas sa sambayanan. Ito po ang nagsisilbing tulay upang suklian din ng pagkalinga ng sambayanan ang ating kasundaluhan. Ituloy lang po natin ang pagkakapit-bisig at ang malasakit sa isa’t isa, tungo sa lalo pang pag-aarangkada ng ating bansa.

Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.|

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38 38 Alimasag (Ilokano) PABABA 1 Daanan sa gubat 2 Kapanalig 3 Asong gala 4 Tulutan: Ingles 5 Bubong 6 Kinatatakutan 7 Pandak 8 Pera ng Slovenia 9 Granula ng ginto 11 Monopolisado 17 Larry: ikli 19 Pangkating etniko ng mga Manobo sa South Cotabato 22 Sisidlan ng gamit 23 Sobra sa timbang 24 Isang barangay sa Tanza 26 Hingi ng nasiyahan 27 Hilakbot 28 Busy 29 Salitang pananakot 30 Pinid 34 Troso

>Wanna be featured here? Please contact us at 0917.512.9477 | 0912.902.7373 | 043.417.1662 for inquiries.

Ronalina B. Lontoc, Special Project Editor

F.E.S.T.

......................................................................... >>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS..., EVENTS..., SHOWBIZ & SPORTS...TRAVEL & TRENDS<<<

April 28 - May 4, 2014

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Laguna all set for Palarong Pambansa 2014, says Gov. Estregan ABUYAO CITY, Laguna –With barely few days left to go before the grand opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2014 hosted by the province, Laguna Governor Jeorge ER Ejercito Estregan assured that “it’s all systems go” the sporting events highlighted by sports stars and athletic icons for the game’s opening on May 4.

In an interview with the PNA here on Wednesday, Governor Estregan said the provincial government is now up on its toes in the finishing touches for the Palarong Pambansa from May 4 to 10 and admitted he and the entire Lagunenses take pride of hosting for the first time the country’s version of the Olympics here.

“Our theme in Laguna ‘Sports not just a game, but sports as a way of life’ sums up all the collaborative efforts and partnerships of the Department of Education (DepEd) through Secretary Armin Luistro, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chief Jolly Gomez and the Philippine Olympics Committee (POC) with host provincial government of Laguna,” Gov. Estregan explained.

He said the host province of Laguna is ready to receive the athletic contingents from the 17 regions composed of about 81 provinces, around 12,000 athletes, 1,000 officials, trainors and coaches and thousands of accompanying official delegations to the Laguna Sports Complex in Barangay Bubukal in Santa Cruz.

“We have arranged every nittygritty details especially in the various schools in the province’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts as billeting quarters for both the elementary and high school students in the 19 sports disciplines,” the governor said.

He disclosed the program of activities lined up for the eight-day sporting competitions, adding that the province is hosting on the eve of the official opening a “Governor’s Night” with a bevy of sports stars, celebrities and entertainers at the 19-hectare Laguna Sports Complex.

Estregan said a grand float parade and inauguration of the trade fair booths which showcase Laguna’s 24 towns and 6 component cities is set on May 4.

On May 5, the opening day program will have “Sports Unlimited” TV host Marc Nelson and Dyan Castillejo as game anchors.

Gov. Estregan said there will be four relay runners for the Palaro torch lighting with the symbolic lighting of the “eternal flame” with “Pambansang Kamao”, boxing icon

C

and Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and movie actor-model and world-class swimmer Enchong Dee. “We have a media blitz, promotions, advertising and marketing nationwide and we are all ready as we invite the entire Filipino nation and are honored with the presence of President Benigno S. Aquino, Vice- President Jejomar Binay here in Laguna – “Una sa Lahat” (always the first),” he said.

Gov. Estregan and his wife Pagsanjan Mayor Maita Girlie Ejercito also commissioned the world’s tallest Dr. Jose Rizal monument designed as a sportsman towering at 26 feet.

According to him, the Palaro’s historic first bronze monument of the National Hero as a sportsman aims to showcase Rizal’s expertise in fencing, arnis de mano, pistolero sa duelo (duel pistol shooter) including judo, jujitsu and boxing.

He said this soon-to-be unveiled sculptural work is unique from the common Rizal statues depicted as National Hero, educator, linguist and nationalist erected in schools, plazas, hospital, city and town halls and other government structures.

“My wife Mayor Maita and I jointly steered this project to project Rizal in this first sportsman monument to inspire all athletes, coaches, trainors and sports enthusiasts how to achieve excellence in sports science,” Estregan explained.

The Laguna provincial governor also stressed that besides purely sporting events they consider this biggest sporting event as an opportunity for Laguna to promote the best of the best, world-class products and delicacies that they could offer.

With the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, Laguna hopefully would soon be called the “Sports Capital of the Philippines” as we have worldclass facilities in our 19-hectare Laguna Sports Complex, Estregan said.

He also beamed with pride for Laguna’s latest feat of landing in the Top 3 tourist destinations in the country for the first time next to Coron, Palawan and Sagada, Mountain Province in addition of distinctions obtained from the tourism department, Philippine Tourism Authority and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) recently.

He underscored Laguna’s fame as the “Resort Capital of the Philippines” with more than 500 hot spring resorts especially in Calamba City’s Barangay Pansol and Los Baños.

Estregan also takes pride of the province’s world-class tags as the

Go away from drugs....

Harness your talents at

D’ BLADES JAMM We welcome home-grown bands, students, amateur jammers.

BLADES Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Calicanto, Bats. City For inquiries and schedule, Call of Text 0912-902-7373 to 74.

Showcase of organic products at the EcoFair of SM City Batangas in celebration of Earth Day.

SM City Batangas celebrates Earth Day SM Supermalls joined the nation in celebration of Earth Day last April 22, 2014 with a continued commitment to initiatives in protecting the environment.

At SM City Batangas, the

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“Detroit of the Philippines” because of the eight big-time car manufacturing companies located in Laguna’s 1st and 2nd districts such as Ford, Isuzu, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Scandinavian Motors, Columbian Motors, Mitsubishi and Suzuki.

“We are also known as the Silicon Valley of the Philippines” because we have so many industrial parks, science parks which are home to some 135 semi-conductor companies that translate to more jobs, more taxes for the local governments and employment for Laguneños,” Gov. ER expressed.

And because of the aggressive construction of call centers, Estregan added, we could be called someday the country’s “Call Center Capital.”

The Laguna governor also lined up the province’s prime tourist destinations such as the Enchanted Kingdom as the premier world-class theme and leisure park as the country’s version of Disneyland and Universal Studios.

He also offered promotional pitches for Lumban’s famous “barong Tagalog”; ice and woodcarving in Paete; tsinelas (slipper) and footwear in Liliw;

>>>F. E. S. T. ...turn to P/7

Regional Marketing Manager, Ms. Darlene Leviste-Magubat spearheaded the Earth Day celebration welcoming the guests, participants and environmental advocates who attended the event.

No other than CENRO Head, Mr. Oliver Gonzales graced the celebration sharing the audience in his message the importance of climate change awareness and how we can help mitigate its impact to

our environment.

An EcoFair also highlighted the celebration showcasing different organic products which can serve as a reminder for everyone to do our share in caring for the environment, With this year’s theme “Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere for Everyone”, SM is one with the nation in the cause to protect mother Earth.|

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Ms. Philippines-Earth fashion show at resorts wear competition, ginanap sa Batangas ISINAGAWA noong April 25, sa Pontefino Hotel, ang Ms. Philippines-Earth 2014 Fashion Show and Resort Wear Competition.

Tatlumpu’t dalawang kandidata mula sa iba’t ibang bayan sa bansa kabilang na rin ang limang international candidates ang naglaban laban para sa titulo.

Tinanghal na Ms. Resort Wear ang kinatawan ng Cebu City na si Jaimme Herrel; 1st runner up si Ms. Zamboanga City, Margie Alalan ; at 2nd runner up si Ms. Sta. Rita Pampanga, Angelic Criselle Ocampo.

Tumanggap naman ng special awards bilang Ms. Pontefino Hotel si Ms. Tanauan City, Dianne Carmela; Ms.Pontefino Residences si Ms. Liloan Cebu, Crystal Star Aberasturi; at Ms. KIA Motors si Ms. Dinalupihan Bataan, Monique Teruelle Manuel.

Ayon kay Pontefino Hotel Sr. Vice President and Chief Operation Officer, Fely Ramos, ito ang ikatlong taon ng pagsasagawa ng Ms. EarthPhilippines Resort Wear competition sa Pontefino na nag-umpisa noong 2012, bilang isa sa mga sponsors ng pageant. Sinabi rin ni Ramos na noong 2011 unang naging venue ng naturang competition ang Pontefino para sa Ms. Earth- International.

Ang Ms. Earth Pageant ay nasa pangangasiwa ng Carousel Productions.

Ipinaabot rin ni Ramos ang pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga sumuporta sa muling pagdaraos ng competition sa Pontefino at sa lahat ng dumalo. Tinawag niya ang ito na “pageant for a cause” dahil sa layunin nitong mapangalagaan ang Inang Kalikasan.| MARIE V. LUALHATI

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